Seniors Get Going class - Yoga Experiment

So as you might imagine, the ladies in my Get Going class - while not all seniors, many of them struggle with issues that make them feel out of place in a regular exercise class. Some of them feel that yoga is completely out of their reach, and I thought that they might enjoy a taste of yoga, because its not all bendiness and standing on your head - Mindful breathing and body awareness are skills that benefit everyone.

We modified Sun Salutation A and the standing series so we could all sit in our chairs. There was a modified standing series with a mudra-esque shoulder opening. We even tackled Downward Dog & Chaturanga while standing behind the chair, with some beginner Tree poses!

At the end for our Savasana, we placed our calves on the seat of our chairs and I led them through the Three-fold breath (Guru's Breath).

Most of the ladies loved it, though their typical giggly conversation was replaced by soft goodbyes and sweet compliments. They were in a very different frame of mind than usual. Only one new face this week, but steadily growing all the same!

Pretty much everything that I played today was from Cantoma's first album (its self titled). Its has this wonderfully bright and relaxing sound that makes me feel like I'm on vacation. Enjoy!

Words to a fellow hooper, teacher and friend

Its no accident that this "revolving" that we do changes us, and how we interact with the world. We are evolving, we are growing, dreaming and doing. It is part of that great circle - as one part moves into the light, another retreats in shadow.

Stay in the center of the circle
and let all things take their course
-Lao Tzu-

Swadharma

Some great thoughts from Kate Mak, teacher at Yoga Santosha.

One of the biggest lessons I continue to learn for myself is letting go. As
many can relate, this is not easy and sometimes we would rather accept
living in states of extreme emotions such as fear, sadness, anxiety, anger,
disappointment and so many more than to let go.
Swadharma – the next right step.
No matter how many missteps you take… one, five, ten, hundreds,
thousands… the next step you take can be the right one. Do not worry
yourself about the past. Perhaps, you embarrassed yourself in acting in a way
that was unlike you. Perhaps, you said something in a situation that you did
not mean to say. Perhaps, you continue to hold yourself in the harshest of
judgments. It does not matter… swadharma… the next step you take, it can
be the right step and that is all that matters. Even if you stumble back, as
we will, do not be discouraged and continue with swadharma.
The yoga practice helps, your friends help, your family helps, your
community helps and deep in your heart of hearts… you know you are
capable and deserving of the next right step.

Yogi wisdom - fear, community & coming together

I just read this great article...
I know a lot of you will be lost on the yoga references but I really think it has something to offer my friends as I am seeing a similarity in many of the communities that I find myself a part of.
The article is about a new development in the Anusara yoga community, where teachers are intentionally moving away from their "guru".

Its about taking a look at the power you give over to others. Its about how you wield your own power. Its about building the community around us with real tangible steps and taking care of each other. Its about the fear within ourselves, acknowledging boundaries and how in overcoming fear one can empower themselves, and be accountable not only to themselves but to the whole.

I see facets of all of these thoughts within my communities - in various stages, in various ways. Not sure what I'm talking about? Think about where the most drama in your life & that surrounding community. Think about where you get the most fulfillment in your life & that community. The interplay of community is everywhere. Still not obvious? Think about your city's Occupy movements. Some paths are unsustainable, and as humans we are made to come together. Partnerships & marriages, families, companies & corporations - I feel that these all can become one's tribe.
We are growing and changing each day as individuals. We simply cannot stay the same as a community and because the shifts that are happening around us are bringing us into an interdependent network, our choices are effecting the whole.